Iran Eyes Revival of Tehran–Ankara Passenger Train via Turkish Rail Network

TEHRAN – The CEO of the Iranian Railways, announced that within the next two weeks, the Deputy for Passenger Affairs of Turkish Railways will visit Iran to finalize an agreement on utilizing Turkish passenger trains and determining fare structures.

Speaking on the sidelines of a memorandum signing ceremony for establishing a logistics city, Dr. Zakeri provided an update on the Tehran–Ankara train service. He explained that train speeds between Van and Ankara had been adjusted due to earthquake-related issues in previous years, and Turkey is currently expanding its high-speed rail network.

He added that, based on recent negotiations, it has been agreed that Iran will use a section of Turkey’s high-speed rail line. “Within two weeks, the Deputy for Passenger Affairs of Turkish Railways will visit Iran, and we expect to reach an agreement on passenger train cooperation. This means there will be no need to send our trains all the way to Ankara — we will use their existing capacity,” Zakeri said.

Regarding ticket pricing for the Tehran–Ankara route, he emphasized: “Our goal is to set ticket prices in a way that not only avoids competition between air and rail transport but also makes rail travel more affordable and appealing to passengers.”

Asked when the service might launch, Zakeri replied: “Following the launch of the Tehran–Van train, we have been pursuing the reopening of the Tehran–Ankara route. Although we were ready to transfer passengers to Ankara despite Turkish train delays, the other side has certain operational protocols that must be followed. Their latest position is that increasing capacity under current conditions isn’t possible, so we must use their existing services.”

He concluded: “If we rely on Turkish trains for passenger transport, ticket prices will naturally be higher, but we still aim to keep rail travel more economical than air transport so that it remains accessible to the public.”

Aprin Dry Port to Connect by Rail to Imam Khomeini Airport

Zakeri also stated that Tehran’s Aprin Dry Port, the largest inland rail port in Iran, is now operational. “Adjacent to it is Imam Khomeini Airport City, which serves as an air logistics hub. To integrate these two areas into a single logistics city, a memorandum of understanding has been signed,” he said.

He noted that this logistics city will incorporate three transport modes — air, rail, and road — transforming the complex into the Tehran Logistics City. Each segment will be managed under its respective authority.

“This model isn’t unique to Iran,” Zakeri added. “Similar systems exist around the world, and we hope to use these capabilities to enhance our regional role.”

Zakeri, who also serves as Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, stated that the development of Aprin is being carried out by a foreign company that planned the zone to be smart from the outset. “Out of the 700 hectares available, 55 hectares have been developed in the first phase, and the next target is to expand by another 200 hectares. Around 13 companies have expressed interest in investing, and several have already obtained permits and signed contracts. We hope to start construction soon,” he said.

“All companies in this zone will be required to implement advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence,” Zakeri continued. “These innovations will simplify logistics chain management, and tariff integration must also take place, though it will take time.”

He concluded: “We will present the detailed implementation schedule for the logistics city within one month.”